Why are six hydro power schemes exempt from the government's new fresh water quality plan? The plan, announced last week by Environment Minister David Parker, is now out for consultation and would introduce a national 'bottom line' across 23 water quality measures. But hydro schemes like the Manapouri Power Scheme are explicitly exempt. That has campaigners in Southland concerned about the impact it'll have on an already sick Waiau River. Kathryn Ryan talks to Waiau Rivercare Group member and environmental scientist Clare Jordan, Southern Scenic Jet owner/operator Joyce Kolk and Mahina-a-rangi Baker from the Kahui Wai Māori advisory group, which is strongly opposed to the exemptions.

The historic Clifden Suspension Bridge on the Lower Waiau River Photo: Supplied